Maverick is pouting when Kode helps me into the booth. He usually only pouts when someone has wounded his ego or hurt his feelings.
"Who shot you down this time?" Kode asks, grinning as his arm wraps around my shoulders.
I lean against him as Maverick shoots him a death glare.
"Julie Randall. She's still holding a grudge about the last time we were together."
I chuckle lightly with the others at poor Maverick's expense. I'm sure he'd like to do more than just scowl at us right now. As much as I'd love to mock him, I don't like it when girls shoot any of them down.
"Which one is she?" I ask, leaning over to him.
His face lights up as a devilish grin spreads. "You're going to play wing woman for me?"
He's almost salivating, which forces a small chuckle free from me.
"Yes. Now, which one?"
"Hell yes. Red dress, big tits, platinum blonde at the bar."
"You're really doing this?" Kode asks, raising an eyebrow as his adorable smile spreads.
"Of course I am. It's Maverick."
Maverick bounces a little in his seat as the anticipation rises. He doesn't get turned down unless he's been with the girl before. Serves him right, considering he's a total jerk if you don't know him, but I do know him. You have to peel back a few layers to get close. They can't get close if they don't accept his invitations.
Kode lets me out, shakes his head, and snatches his seat back up once I begin my grueling journey. Well, maybe grueling isn't the right word. Never mind—I'm about to talk to a girl Maverick has apparently pissed off. Grueling is the appropriate word.
I sidle up next to her as I raise my hand to the bartender, who quickly comes to take my order. After I request my vodka martini, he scampers off while I wait beside the big-chest girl who really doesn't deserve Mav.
"Aren't you Julie Randall?" I ask, pretending as if I know the girl.
She turns to me, and her eyes glance back toward our booth as a small smile creeps up. Damn. She's smarter than I gave her credit for being.
"He sent you?" she asks knowingly. "He's getting desperate," she adds in a singsong voice, laughing, and pissing me off a little.
"Excuse me?" I ask, barely reining in my temper.
There's a list of things I'd like to say right now, some of which could possibly prompt her to claw my eyes out. I'd risk it if I my feet didn't hurt. It's hard to fight back if I can barely stand. Stupid stilettos.
She turns to me and lets her eyes go back to our booth once more before dedicating her full attention to me.
"You must be new in town. Don't let Maverick play you like this, doll. There's so much you need to know about the Sterlings. Kode's pretty, but he's unobtainable. He's also a cruel son of a bitch if you cross him. Maverick is just plain cold after he gets what he wants. Corbin is fun, but he's only fun in bed. Dale's already taken. He's a
good one. If you're lucky enough to get Dane Sterling, then I'll worship at your feet. Distance yourself before the bad seeds ruin you."
I frown as I glance up at my boys. In six years they've apparently managed to really fuck themselves over with the women populous. I turn back to her while inwardly cursing the four Sterlings waiting on me. Well, three of the four. Dale is obviously exempt from a tongue lashing since he's a good one.
"I'm not new. I'm Rain Noles. I grew up with the—"
"OhmyGod," she squeals, almost falling out of her seat, letting her eyes bug out in shock and realization. Oh boy. I've seen this before. "You're really Rain Noles! I love the Poor Hearts and Rich Dreams series!"
In seconds flat, she's gone from condescending and composed to total fan girl. I don't need this right now.
"I can't believe you're here! In Sterling Shore! I've always wanted to meet you, but everyone says you never come home."
I sigh, preparing to be interrupted at least a dozen more times.
"Yeah. I've actually moved back recently because—"